Landlord in the Arctic

As for her cousin, who was usually a good-for-nothing with no real skills, his luck was so outrageous it left people speechless.

Xu Hongxin’s heart was filled with a mix of complicated emotions.

She was naturally intelligent and exceptionally capable, excelling in everything from her studies to the handling of Xu Family affairs.

But her cousin, Xu Hongying, had had his luck off the charts ever since they were children, as if he were uniquely favored by fate.

Every time he ran into trouble, a benefactor would miraculously appear and help him get through it unscathed.

Take getting to know Feng Mountain, for instance.

That only happened because the family elders couldn’t stand seeing Xu Hongying loafing around all day, doing nothing productive.

In a fit of pique, they’d kicked him out to start his own business.

They even gave him an ultimatum: don’t come home until he had something to show for it.

Who would have thought that this playboy, who usually only knew how to eat, drink, and be merry, would, after squandering all the start-up capital the family gave him...

...flee to Saint Paul Island at the end of his rope, accidentally get his hands on Feng Mountain’s catch, and then make a fortune just by reselling it?

Not only that, but he even earned praise from the family elders.

Xu Hongxin couldn’t help but scoff internally.

They praised him for his unique vision and business acumen.

’As if he has a unique vision!’

’It was pure, dumb luck.’

Thinking about all this, Xu Hongxin felt a stifling weight in her chest. Frustrated, she snapped.

"I don’t care if he lives or dies. It’d be best if he dropped dead somewhere and never came back. Don’t mention his name in front of me again."

Speak of the devil.

Xu Hongxin had just finished cursing Xu Hongying when that bastard’s voice drifted into her ears.

"Cousin! Cousin! I finally found you!"

"Young Master Ying," the middle-aged man greeted Xu Hongying as he jogged over.

"Uncle Luo, don’t be so formal with me. You’ve watched me grow up; I’m like a son to you." Xu Hongying waved his hand dismissively, then turned to the stone-faced Xu Hongxin. "Hong Xin, does our family’s hotel do business with Gaja Winery in Italy?"

"We do. What do you want?" Xu Hongxin was filled with disdain, as if just being near Xu Hongying would bring her bad luck.

Xu Hongying knew full well that his cousin, Xu Hongxin, had looked down on him ever since they were children.

But he was magnanimous about it. ’So what if she looks down on me? It’s not like I’m losing any sleep over it.’ After all these years, he was used to it.

So, he just went ahead and said it nonchalantly.

"It’s nothing. I’m just planning to open a bar in Crown Territory with Su Ziweng, and I want to get some good wine from Gaja Winery to stock the place."

"Uncle Luo has the number. Go talk to them yourself." Hearing this, Xu Hongxin impatiently flicked her trench coat, left him with those words, and strode away without a backward glance.

He watched his cousin’s dashing yet cold figure retreat.

Xu Hongying cupped his hands around his mouth and deliberately yelled after her.

"Hong Xin, you should smile more! Don’t go around with such a long face all the time. Life’s meant to be enjoyed!"

At this, Xu Hongxin’s steps clearly faltered.

Then, with her back still to Xu Hongying, she raised a hand and made a universally understood gesture.

"See? That’s much better." Having been on the receiving end of the gesture, Xu Hongying didn’t seem to mind in the slightest, a cheeky grin still plastered on his face.

Uncle Luo watched from the side, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. He shook his head helplessly. "Young Master Ying, please stop teasing the young miss. She has a lot on her plate."

"Living like that, it’s no wonder she’s stressed. So boring." Xu Hongying pursed his lips, a look of utter boredom on his face.

Suddenly, he remembered he had a meeting with Su Ziweng. "Uncle Luo, remember to have the winery get in touch with me. See you later."

With that, he hurried off.

The middle-aged man had been with the Xu Family for many years, and he had never seen Xu Hongxin lose her composure like that.

Standing there, he gazed out at Crown Territory, now shrouded in darkness.

The land seemed exceptionally tranquil at this moment. For some reason, he felt an inexplicable sense of peace, as if this place possessed a unique magic that could quiet the soul.

....

Feng Mountain was strolling along a small path, slowly making his way back to his cabin.

The night was deepening, and his surroundings were quiet and serene, with only the soft rustle of his feet on the grass.

Suddenly, the faint sound of laughter and cheerful chatter drifted over from a short distance away.

Feng Mountain couldn’t help but stop and look over.

Alvin was there with a group of crewmen and some of their family members. Everyone was carrying bags, big and small, and were gathered in a lively cluster.

Feng Mountain strode over and asked, "Alvin, what are you all up to?"

Hearing his voice, Alvin and the others all stopped.

When he turned and saw it was Feng Mountain, a brilliant smile immediately broke out across his face.

Alvin grinned and laughed heartily.

"Boss! Miss Jenny gave us a task. We’re making Christmas lights for Christmas Eve. Want to join in?"

"Let’s go, I’m in!" Feng Mountain’s interest was instantly piqued.

It was his first time seeing foreigners make their own holiday lights. Filled with curiosity, he joined the crew.

Along the way, everyone was talking and laughing, and the atmosphere was exceptionally cheerful.

Feng Mountain found the lively atmosphere infectious, and his own mood brightened.

They arrived at the open area in front of the restaurant.

The space was wide and well-lit, making it an especially good spot for craft activities under the night sky.

Alvin and the crewmen dumped the bags containing the materials for the Christmas lights onto the ground.

Then, they opened the bags and poured out a pile of lightbulbs of various sizes, wires of different gauges, and numerous tube-like light strips.

"You guys make the meteor shower lights, you make the icicle lights, and the rest of you can make the star and moon hanging lights." Alvin skillfully and methodically assigned tasks to everyone according to the different types of Christmas lights.